Norwich City FC Fans Living in NYC: On the Ball City!

NORWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Norwich players congratulate Ritchie De Laet after he scored a header during the Barclay's premier league match between Norwich and Stoke City at Carrow Road on August 21, 2011 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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New York, NY - I don't know about you but I'm a New Yorker who's simply tired of having to painfully digest all the Premier League coverage that Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City tends to receive here in the United States. I understand their global popularity and I appreciate their history.

However, I would rather follow a team that isn't followed here regularly than select a team like Manchester United because they're popular amongst the global masses of soccer fans. The only thing that interest me about Manchester United is their growing debt and the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST).

If you live in New York and you're a fan of Norwich City FC or simply a soccer fan looking for an English Premier League team to follow this season, consider joining the NY Canaries. Formed in 2003, the New York Canaries are based at the George Keeley pub, located at 485 Amsterdam Ave, between 83rd and 84th streets.

At the back of the pub there's a collection of signed Norwich City memorabilia at the back. I was informed by NY Canaries founder James Copland that many visitors who visit George Keeley from Norwich including coaches ad ex-players from the club.

Why Norwich City?

To be honest, I'm fascinated by their 109-year History. I love the fact that their song On the Ball, City is the world's oldest football song. I'm also impressed how after a six-year absence, the Canaries have returned returned to the Premier League.

From Canaries coach Paul Lambert, to players such as Grant Holt, Wes Hoolahan (no relation to "Hot Lips" Hoolahan), American Zak Whitbread, to Delia Smith's role as majority shareholder, I'm now a Canary for life.

Granted, I'm still learning the History of the Club. But the organization itself who along with the NY Canaries and Norwich City fans have already embraced me into their soccer family. From their recommended books and online publications to follow, I've enjoyed learning about the Canaries.

Recently, I visited George Keeley and I happened to watch a reply of the Canaries match against Wigan Athletic FC. As I enthusiastically watched the game, I enjoyed taking photos of the pub's memorabilia and an eating an order of burger and fries. The staff was more than friendly and engaging as they educated me about the origin of some of their memorabilia.

The funny thing about this is that I've yet to watch a game with the NY Canaries. Even though Hurricane Irene intends to make her presence in the East Coast this weekend, I intend to join the NY Canaries as they watch Norwich City FC face off against Chelsea at 10AM EDT.

If you're a fan of Norwich City FC, please feel free to contact me and tell me what the Canaries mean to you. Thank you and OTBC!

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com ; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at cesar@latinosports.com and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.